Vietnam's Government Approves Decade-Long Science and Innovation Overhaul
The Vietnamese government has greenlit a major restructuring of national science and technology programs, aiming to empower innovation and enterprise growth.
HÀ NỘI — In a significant move towards advancing its scientific and technological capabilities, the Vietnamese government has recently ratified a comprehensive project focused on restructuring national science, technology, and innovation initiatives for the next ten years.
Key Goals of the Project
Approved through Decision No. 1951/QĐ-TTg by Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Quốc Dũng on October 8, the initiative aims to foster the growth of at least 20 enterprises proficient in strategic technologies and products. Importantly, the plan stipulates that a minimum of five of these enterprises will integrate their offerings into global value chains.
Strategic Technological Development
The project sets ambitious targets, including the creation of at least 20 key strategic technological products by the period of 2026 to 2035. Moreover, the initiative seeks to build 30 robust research groups that meet regional standards, and enhance the interconnection of scientific data with the National Innovation Centre and other relevant innovation ecosystems.
Support for Startups and Innovation
Initiatives within the project aim to nurture approximately 250 innovative startups, focusing on technology testing and refinement, product development, and the commercialization of research findings and intellectual property rights. Additionally, there is a goal to support the testing and scaling of at least 150 innovative startup products, services, and solutions while assisting entrepreneurs in refining production processes and developing prototypes.
Structured Approach to Innovation
The restructuring plan encompasses six primary groups, each targeting specific aspects of national capabilities in science, technology, and innovation:
- Group 1: Focuses on developing a skilled workforce and enhancing research organizations, infrastructure, laboratories, and databases.
- Group 2: Aims to establish a solid scientific foundation to inform policy-making and develop core technologies.
- Group 3: Concentrates resources on tackling major, interdisciplinary scientific and technological challenges that influence socio-economic development and national governance.
- Group 4: Encourages innovation and entrepreneurship through technology application and the development of intellectual property.
- Group 5: Directs resources towards executing special national programs for strategic technologies and aims to boost Vietnam's productivity and competitiveness.
- Group 6: Implements the National Strategy on Digital Transformation, fostering a digital economy and society.
This strategic overhaul reflects Vietnam's commitment to enhancing its scientific and technological prowess, ultimately aiming for a robust innovation ecosystem that can compete on the global stage.
